Black Runner Ducklings

Valley Hatchery presents Black Runner Ducklings, a breed with a rich history rooted in Southeast Asia, where they were originally bred for their remarkable egg production and exceptional mobility. Their lineage dates back over 2000 years, as evidenced by ancient stone carvings in Java, and they continue to serve their original purpose to this day. These ducks are known for their hardiness and ability to cover vast distances while foraging for waste rice, weed seeds, insects, slugs, and other bugs. Black Runner Ducks are a lightweight breed, reducing the likelihood of trampling vegetation in your garden or yard. Their name, “Indian Runners,” originates from a historical misnomer, as they were initially imported into England from Southeast Asia, not India, in the 1850s. By the time their true origin was revealed in 1909, the name had already become entrenched. The first Runners imported into England included Fawn, Fawn-and-White, and White varieties, debuting at the Dumfries Show in Scotland in 1877. They gained recognition in the American Standard Registry in 1898, although the Black, Blue, and Chocolate varieties were not officially recognized until 1977. Black Runner Ducks boast lustrous greenish-black plumage, black bills, brown eyes, and dusky black to black shanks and feet. They breed true, ensuring that mating a Black Runner with another Black Runner will produce offspring of the same variety. These ducks are hardy, a characteristic honed over centuries as they roam vast distances in search of food. Because of their lightweight build, they are unlikely to cause damage to gardens or yards. While their egg production has decreased over time due to selective breeding emphasizing coloration, they still lay approximately 100-180 large eggs per year, some of which may be white, light green, dark gray, or even blackish at the beginning of the season. Choose Valley Hatchery for Black Runner Ducklings, a breed that embodies a fascinating blend of history, mobility, and practical utility, making them a valuable addition to any flock or farm.